Shamcey is new DOT endorser

By Mayen Jaymalin, The Philippine Star

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) just got a new celebrity endorser to promote Philippine tourism.

DOT reported yesterday that Miss Universe third runner-up Shamcey Supsup would be appearing in a new television ad to encourage local and foreign travelers to visit the country’s different tourist destinations.

Supsup’s commercial is a partnership project between the DOT and Smart Communications Inc. in support of the “It’s more fun in the Philippines” campaign.

“We welcome this arrangement, especially now that social media is considered to be a highly effective means of transmitting information,” Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. said.

According to Smart Wireless advisor chief Orlando Vea, the wireless service provider is happy to help the DOT promote the country as a fun destination through Web and mobile technologies, which he said, is driving the growth of travel and tourism worldwide.

Under the project, Smart will release a Live More travel app and website that will feature different provinces, tourist destinations and activities; and provide on-site support during local festivals and other domestic tourism-related activities.

Jimenez said the partnership with SMART is expected to complement the DOT’s new campaign, which banks on the country’s fundamental strength: the Filipino people.

“Through these initiatives, we hope to rally more Filipinos to explore the beauty of the Philippines, as well engage everyone in becoming tourism ambassadors who will ensure that foreign guests will always have a positive, memorable, and fun experience in the country,” Jimenez explained.

SMART has also produced a Limestone billboard and a web-based SMS broadcast service called Infoboard for the DOT.

The eight-year partnership is just one of the joint initiatives that DOT has been pursuing with the private sector to push its tourism programs.